Many hospitals yet to register under KPME Act: DHO Srirangappa
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, Jan 20: Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav has warned legal action against those private medical establishments which have failed to register under Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act 2007. Informing the same to media persons here on Wednesday, District Health and Family Welfare Officer O R Srirangappa informed said that the Act came into force in 2009. Although the deadline for private medical establishments to register under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007, was extended upto October 24, 2010, there are about 300 establishments which are yet to register, he informed.
He said the authorities have distributed 1,623 applications. Of which, the authorities have received 1,511 applications. This includes 929 in Mangalore taluk, 126 in Belthangady taluk, 90 in Sullia taluk, 165 in Bantwal and 200 in Puttur taluk. Out of the received applications, 53 were received after October 24. Hence, it will be recommended to the state authority for further action.
The DHO said the teams constituted for inspecting the medical establishments have already inspected 477 institutions and have given nod for registering 319 institutions.
About 133 institutions have failed to furnish the required documents. Hence, a notice will be issued by the DHO to such units to furnish details within stipulated period.
He said the inspection team visits all the units and even takes photographs of the unit for documentation. In fact, as the number of application received for the registration under KPME Act from Mangalore taluk is more, four additional teams have been constituted to inspect the units. All the taluks will have five teams to inspect the private medical establishments.
“Owners of smaller establishments may be under the impression that they need not register. But, according to the Act, all have to compulsorily register or face action,” he added.
The Act is aimed at regulating and controlling private medical establishments, including diagnostic centres, health clubs and alternative medicine centres, to ensure that people get quality healthcare.
According to the Act, every private medical establishment will have to prominently display the rates charged by the hospital for various medical procedures and facilities.
The new law also stipulates minimum standards in terms of physical infrastructure, technical know-how and staff qualifications to set up a private healthcare institution.
They should also have disposal unit for the bio-medical wastes and also attend to the medico legal cases and communicable diseases, the DHO added. Dhns